Development of Baguio Central Urban core underway

23 August 2021 – The city is currently working on the development of the proposed central urban core that will highlight the city’s rich history tracing back from the American period.

City Planning and Development Officer Arch. Donna R. Tabangin stated that the comprehensive master development plan for the proposed Baguio central urban core is a consolidated effort of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Engineering Office, City Buildings and Architecture Office and the City Tourism and Special Events Office under the Office for Administration.

She pointed out that the Baden Powell Hall along Gov. Pack Road will serve as the anchor of the proposed Baguio urban core because of its significant relevance to the city’s rich history having served as the headquarters of the Philippine Commission where held its sessions.

The city planning and development officer claimed that the proposed Baguio urban core will focus on the facelift of existing historical sites along Gov. Pack Road, Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue and Harrison Road to complement the other envisioned growth corridors that had been planned in the different parts of the city.

Aside from the Baden Powell Hall, the proposed sites for development will include the Baguio Post Office area, the whole stretch of Session Road, the Maharlika Livelihood Center, or the former Baguio stone market and Harrison Road.

According to her, the plan will still be subject to consultations with the different sectors of the city to solicit their suggestions and recommendations on how to further improve these to preserve the landmarks in the historical development of the city.

Part of the plan will be the improvement of the sidewalks along the central business district area to include the ongoing road-right-of-way recovery program to benefit both the motorists and pedestrians alike.

Tabangin disclosed that the central urban core will be linked with 5 other small growth corridors in the city including the southwest growth node along Marcos highway and the Wright Park and Mines View Park growth area, apart from the proposed comprehensive development of the Burnham Park complex.

She revealed that the city government will map the cultural properties in the city to help preserve and protect these in line with existing guidelines and for their inclusion in the crafting of comprehensive master development plans for the city’s proposed growth corridors.

The CPDO will be presenting the proposed Baguio urban core master development plan to the City Council for approval as part of the city’s blueprint in the implementation of future projects and as a guide and reference for future leaders in the realization of the overall growth and development of the city that strikes a balance between development and the preservation and protection of the environment, and existing and established cultural properties. – Dexter A. See